2020 has been a hard year for all of us, and it’s only just over halfway through. With Coronavirus a hot topic for everybody, there’s a lot about our daily lives that’s had to change. And, with summer in full swing, right now, going for a relaxing swim is no exception.
Planning a swim at the public swimming pool shouldn’t be a life-or-death situation, but these are strange times. As a result, public pools are actually closed for the rest of the year or require social distancing recommended by the CDC. Whether you’re at home, visiting an open pool, or just swimming at a friend’s house, spending time in a pool this summer can feel like risky business.
Join us, as we break down the recommended safety tips for pool maintenance and COVID-19 prevention.
A Word From The Florida Pool Association
“While staying home during the current pandemic, it is a great time to enjoy pools and hot tubs.” Those words, from the Florida Pool Association, are absolutely true, and very encouraging. So long as you can enforce social distancing guidelines, keeping gatherings to fewer than ten people, your pool will be considered safe.
The Center for Disease Control has reported that there is no evidence COVID-19 transmits through pools or hot tubs. With correct maintenance and disinfection, this water is inhospitable to COVID-19. Obviously, putting yourself into situations where COVID might spread makes the situation a lot less predictable. But consistent disinfecting has been shown to stop the virus fairly reliably.
Make sure to clean and disinfect your pool equipment, regularly, including:
- pool gates
- decks and attachments
- stair rails and safety handles
- pool cleaning nets
- pumps and pool cleaning equipment
- toys
As a current or future pool owner, you can maintain your pool’s sanitation with regular chemistry testing. Balance out your chemicals, with special attention paid to pH levels. It should go without saying that anybody who is sick or things they might be should also be kept out of the pool and away from your family and friends.
Wash off your pool deck using chlorinated water, making sure to clear out areas where puddles would actually form. Beyond that, make sure never to overload your pool as well. As a more specific rule, the correct person-to-pool ratio is roughly one person to every three linear feet of pool size.
Swimming Pool Maintenance and COVID-19
It’s easy to see why this is one of the most difficult times in recent history. With so much changing, and more and more restrictions on where we can and can’t go, we can struggle to find things to do.
During this pandemic, more people are practicing social distancing every day. And it’s with this in mind that having a pool can become safe enough to get the whole family out swimming again. Social distancing isn’t just safer – it gives you the chance to have fun outside again. Sit by the pool and relax. Let the kids enjoy themselves away from the TV for a little bit. Get back to enjoying your backyard again. Pool maintenance and COVID-19 prevention go hand-in-hand, and for good reason.
Looking to install a custom in-ground pool or spa in your home to see out the summer? Get in touch with Artesian Pools, today.